PAWNEE COUNTY—A funeral service is scheduled for a USD496/ Pawnee Heights student-athlete who collapsed at a football practice and died last week.
According to an online obituary for Rylan Reece, his funeral is set for 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 26 at Valley Community Church, 502 E. Street, in Burdett. A visitation is set for 9 a.m. Tuesday at Beckwith Mortuary in Larned.
Valley Community Church established a Memorial Fund in honor of Rylan Reece and his family, according to a social media report from the church. "100% of these monies will be given to the Reece Family to help with the expenses." All additional monies will be used to set up a future fund in Rylan's name. Please follow this link to give and make sure you add in the note "Reece Memorial." Click here to participate in the fundraiser.
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At 8:30p.m. Tuesday, Pawnee County EMS responded to send an ambulance to the school, according to. Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.
Just after 9p.m. Pawnee County Sheriff Larry Atteberry contacted McNett to advise him that EMS had responded to a Pawnee Heights’ football practice earlier in the evening due to a player, later identified as Rylan Reece, collapsing, according to a statement from McNett.
The sheriff informed McNett that medical personnel had been unable to revive the boy at the scene.
Pawnee Heights Principal Tina Vondracek confirmed in an email Wednesday that the student had died..
"We extend our most heartfelt sympathies to all those who are hurting and are focused on providing support and care to our school district community," Vondracek said. "This week, we are focused on caring for our students, staff and community."